What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medicine which is used to treat the bacterial infection and it belonging to the class of penicillin drugs. It is formulated as a tablet and works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria or killing bacteria directly (bactericidal action). It is primarily prescribed to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body, such as respiratory, ear, skin, urinary tract, and dental infections. It is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Generic Name: Amoxicillin
- Common Brand Names: Moxikind, Novamox, Almox, Megamox
- Pronunciation: uh-mok-suh-SIL-in
- (Listen to pronunciation on Google or Merriam-Webster by searching “how to pronounce amoxicillin”)
Key Ingredient & Composition
- Active Ingredient: Amoxicillin (as Amoxicillin Trihydrate). This is the component that fights the bacterial infection.
- Inactive Ingredients (Excipients): These are non-medicinal components that form the structure of the tablet. Common ones include:
- Microcrystalline Cellulose (filler/binder)
- Magnesium Stearate (lubricant to prevent sticking to machines)
- Sodium Starch Glycolate (helps the tablet break apart)
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide (prevents caking)
- Talc (glidant)
- Hypromellose, Titanium Dioxide, Polyethylene Glycol (coating agents)
How Does an Amoxicillin Tablet Work? (Simple Mechanism of Action)
Imagine bacteria are like tiny, living balloons filled with water.
- Strong Wall: Bacteria have a strong, protective outer wall that holds everything inside together, just like a balloon’s skin holds the air.
- Amoxicillin’s Attack: When you take an amoxicillin tablet, it travels through your blood to the site of the infection. It works by blocking the process that builds and repairs this protective wall in the bacteria.
- Weakening & Death: Because the bacteria can’t fix their walls or build new ones properly, they become weak. They eventually burst open (like a popping balloon) and die from the pressure of their own contents.
In short: Amoxicillin doesn’t directly kill the bacteria; it takes away their ability to build a strong defense, which causes them to fall apart and die on their own. This stops the infection from spreading and helps your body’s natural defenses clear it away.
Available Forms, Strengths & Brands
1. Forms:
- Tablets (most common for adults)
- Capsules
- Oral Suspension / Dry Syrup (for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills)
- Paediatric Drops (for infants)
- Injection (for use in hospitals under medical supervision)
2. Common Strengths:
- Tablets/Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg
- Oral Suspension: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL
- Paediatric Drops: 100 mg/mL
3. Common Brand Names (India):
- Moxikind (Mankind Pharma)
- Novamox (Alkem Laboratories)
- Almox (Alkem Laboratories)
- Megamox (Aristo Pharmaceuticals)
- Moxclav (combination with Clavulanic acid)
Price & Manufacturer Info
- Approximate Cost: A strip of 10 tablets (500mg strength) typically costs between ₹80 to ₹150 in India. The price can vary based on the brand, pharmacy, and location.
- Major Manufacturers (India):
- Mankind Pharma (Brand: Moxikind)
- Alkem Laboratories (Brand: Novamox, Almox)
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) (Brand: Amoxil)
- Aristo Pharmaceuticals (Brand: Megamox)
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
(Note: This is general information. The actual price and available brands may differ at your local pharmacy.)
Common FAQ On Amoxicillin Tablet
Does an amoxicillin tablet expire? What is its typical shelf life?
Yes, like all medicines, amoxicillin tablets have an expiration date printed on the strip or bottle. And the shelf life of these tablets is typically 2 to 3 years from the manufacturing date. It is important to never use medicine past its expiry date.
How should I store amoxicillin tablets at home?
Store the tablets in a cool, dry place and away from the direct sunlight and moisture area . Keep them at room temperature. For the oral suspension (liquid form) prepared by a pharmacist, it usually requires refrigeration and must be used within a specific number of days.
Is it okay to crush or break an amoxicillin tablet if I can’t swallow it whole?
Generally, most standard amoxicillin tablets can be crushed and mixed with water or a small amount of soft food (like applesauce) if swallowing is difficult. However, always ask your doctor or pharmacist first, as some specific formulations should not be broken.
Can I drive or operate machinery after taking amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin, on its own, is not associated with drowsiness and is not expected to impair your driving skills. However, if you experience specific side effects like dizziness (which is rare but possible) as a reaction to the drug, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
Is a doctor’s prescription mandatory to purchase amoxicillin?
In most countries, including India, yes, a prescription is mandatory to purchase amoxicillin. It is a prescription-only antibiotic to prevent misuse, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.